Earl's father, James Sterling Gilmore, came to Virginia from North Carolina during the coal boom days in search of a better life for his family when Earl was two years old.
Earl began singing at an early age in school "jubilee style" wherein everyone in the school sang together. He soon developed a love for music and dance. He taught himself to play the piano, and began singing and leading church choirs.
Earl passed from this life on Dec. 21, 2000. He was a lifelong resident of Dickenson County, and a member of the A.M.E. Zion Methodist-Baptist Church.
Earl's parents were James Sterling Gilmore and Madge Garrison; he had two brothers, James Gilmore and JW Gilmore. He had five sisters; Mae Holts, Helen Mock, Pauline Mock, Margaret Anderson and Louise Gulley.
Earl's cheerful smile and dynamic voice will be missed by everyone whose life he touched.